Squirrel Removal and Control

Squirrel control is one of our most in-demand animal control services, especially in the spring squirrels stretch their legs and start going outside after the long winter.

Not only that, but squirrel control technician Jason Arruda found the first baby squirrels of 2010 -- and he even has a picture to prove it (see the picture on the left sidebar). That means we're going to get even busier with squirrel removal jobs very soon.

As always, however, most of our squirrel removal calls start when someone hears scratching noises in the attic or walls. Squirrels who moved in for the winter usually are the culprits, but sometimes mice, rats or birds can get into attics and wall voids and make noises. Our motion-sensitive, infrared Attic Cam (see the sidebar on the right) enables us to positively identify which animal is in your attic.

Georgia Squirrel Species

The most common squirrels in Georgia are the gray squirrel and the flying squirrel. Both of these animals are accomplished aerialists who spend much of their time in trees, attics, and other high places. This page deals with gray squirrels; please click here for information on flying squirrels.

Gray squirrels are aerialists. They have excellent balance and easily walk along tree branches and utility lines to get into buildings. They also can also climb vertically on any surface that allows them to get a good grip, such as trees, shingles, asphalt, and most exterior building materials. They often get into houses through chimneys or roof vents, or by gnawing at existing holes, such as the openings where wires enter a building.

Gray squirrels become a nuisance when they get into houses and other buildings. A squirrel's diet consists mainly of nuts, and their powerful jaws and sharp teeth are built-in nutcrackers. They also use those jaws to chew holes through wood, siding, and other building materials, which can cause serious damage to both the building and any belongings stored in it.

Squirrel also increase the risk of fire when they gnaw on electrical wires. This is of special concern in Georgia, with all our irreplaceable historic buildings.

Squirrels also pose some health risks because of their urine, droppings, shed fur, and disease-causing parasites. Dead squirrels can cause odors and serve as a breeding medium for flies and other disease vectors when they die in wall and ceiling voids, soffits, and other inaccessible areas. This is one reason why you should call an animal control specialist, not a "squirrel exterminator," for squirrel control.

Squirrel Removal and Squirrel-Proofing in Georgia

Despite their small size and timid nature, squirrel removal, trapping and exclusion are among the more challenging and hazardous animal control jobs we do. Squirrel control is definitely not a do-it-yourself job, nor are most exterminators equipped to perform squirrel control properly. There's no such thing as "squirrel exterminating" or "squirrel pest control" because squirrels are considered nuisance wildlife, not pests. As nuisance wildlife, squirrel control consists of humane removal, relocation, repairs, and exclusion ("squirrel-proofing").

Permanent squirrel control requires specialized equipment and a keen knowledge of squirrel biology and behavior. It also requires working in high places using long ladders, scaffolding, or bucket trucks -- not the kind of equipment most people have sitting around in their garages. There are no "squirrel poisons" registered for use in the United States. Squirrel control is a non-chemical job.

Our squirrel removal advice is not to waste your time and endanger your life trying do-it-yourself squirrel control. It's difficult and dangerous without the proper equipment and training, and it usually doesn't work. Call us instead for fully-warranted, long-lasting squirrel removal and exclusion.

Rid-A-Critter provides safe, professional, non-chemical squirrel removal in Atlanta, Macon, Athens, Columbus, Roswell, and most of Georgia. We're not "squirrel exterminators." Our earth-friendly, humane squirrel control uses humane, long-lasting control methods, like trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification instead of pesticides and poisons. We were performing "green" squirrel control before being green was in style.

Our comprehensive squirrel control program includes:

• Detective work to figure out how the squirrels are getting into the building
• Non-toxic, environmentally-friendly squirrel trapping to humanely remove squirrels from the attic, soffits, or wherever else they are living.
• Cleanup of squirrel detritus (urine, droppings, shed hair, etc.)
• Squirrel damage repairs and squirrel exclusion -- to keep squirrels out of your house by making your home squirrel-proof.
• When needed, replacement of contaminated insulation.

Squirrel Control Gallery

Here are some pictures of squirrel removal jobs we've done over the years.

These pictures represent only a small sample of the thousands of squirrel-removal and squirrel-proofing jobs we've done over the years. We have the tools and personnel to handle any squirrel control job, so please call us today.